Wolter von Plettenberg

Wolter von Plettenberg bust at his grave site at Cesis

At 16. century the era of knights and crusader orders had come to an end. In most parts of Europe new age reforms were taken putting end to importance of chivalry. England and France became centralized states and Teutonic Order became secular Prussian state. The Grand Duchy of Moscow was heading to became unified Russian state. At this time Livonia was still decentralized confederation ruled by Order and church, unable to unify. Unable to make reforms Livonian Confederation was prone to be conquered by superior neighbor state.

At this time Livonia required a strong leader to save it from its own fate. This could be Wolter von Plettenberg the last powerful Master of Livonian order. He had power in his hands to make changes, but in the end he only made life of Livonia only a little longer.

We don’t now exact birth year of Plettenberg, but he was born in Westphalia Germany near the town of Plettenberg. His parents were local landlords. Because some of his relatives were already in Livonian order like landmarchall Gedert Plettenberg, Wolter joined the ranks of order in 1460’s in youth times.

In first years of his carrier he was at castle of Narve, Estonia, Aizkraukle and Aluksne. At 1481. he was finance and production administrator at Castle of Riga. At 1482.-1488. he was fogt of Rezekne and resided in Rezekne castle.

In 1489. he was elected landmarchal – the commander of armed forces and Masters adviser. His first military victory was against revolting Riga in 1491. Riga again tried to break free from Orders influence and broke the treaty of Salaspils signed in 1452 which made Riga under jurisdiction of Order and Archbishop. He defeated the Riga’s armed forces at the battle of Bukulti and restored the power of Order. This made him very powerful among the ranks of Order and 1494. with out a doubt he was elected the Master of Order.

His main field of foreign affairs was Russia. Grand Duke of Moscow Ivan III annexed Novgorod, the strategic partner of western world. He closed all trade offices in Novgorod and held captive western traders. This clear danger for Livonia as Ivan III made no secret that he wants to be ruler of whole Russia. He was first who called himself Czar- emperor. Plettenberg send 7 diplomatic delegations to Moscow and in the end 45 of 49 western officials were returned home. But the war was still imminent.

Knowing this Plettenberg tried to acquire allies against Moscow. He tried German Kaiser, Denmark but made alliance with Lithuania. In 1501. he crossed the Livonian border for preventive strike since Russians dissembled their forces near Pskov. Lithuanians did not send any help and Plettenberg acted on his own. He defeated Russians and left the Russian border.  Russians strike back and entered Livonia and head to Cesis meeting no resistance. The pillaged Vidzeme and left. Plettenberg prepared to attack Russia next year.

In 1502. Plettenberg attacked Pskov. He pillaged its outskirts and siege the main town. He asked the defenders to surrender, but they waited for reinforcements and declined the surrender. When they came both sides met at the Battle of Smolin.

Order had cavalry commanded by Archbishop and landmarchal Micheal Hildebrand, Latvian and  Estonian foot soldiers.  About 5000 men.  Russians had forces from Pskov, Novgord, Moscow and Tatar allied forces. Order won the battle and left 2500 man dead. The Chronicle of Baltasar Rusov tells that Plettenberg lost only 400 men. After Lithuanian army again did not come, Plettenberg left Russia.

Battle was important victory for the Order since Russians now hesitated to attack Livonia again until 1558. Numerous extensions of peace period showed that Russians respected the Order. However Russian historians to try wash away the grunge of Smolin defeat (Russians never admit their defeats) by making it look like a victory since Plettenberg retreaded after battle.

After setting things with Russia, Plettenberg was hit by wave of Reformation. He did not attempt to stop the spread of Lutheranism. But he kept his Catholic faith and when his Senior ruler the Teutonic Order became a secular state he rejected the possibility to do the same with his order. That may be his biggest mistake since he could make Livonia a centralized kingdom and start serious reforms. He was better of commanding army than be the real king of Livonia. So because of his hesitation Livonia never became a centralized   state.   He died in old age in 1535.  He saved Livonia from early collapse but did not do enough to make it last for steady future. His reigns did nothing significant either and so at 1558. the Livonian Confederation met serious nemesis- Czar Ivan IV the Terrible. But that is another story.

Reformation in Livonia

Since Emperor Constantine made Christianity as main religion of Roman Empire this religion took its grip under Europe. Rome, previously a main enemy of Christian sect now was its main center. Christian religion spread among barbarian nations on ruins of old Roman Empire. However as every religion Christianity was vulnerable to inner quarrels and splits. First great split was in 1054. when differences between churches in Rome and in Constantinople became so great that both sides made a split between Catholic church at Rome and Orthodox church in Byzantium. This was western-eastern  split.  In Medieval times Catholic church made itself strong and significant. It was more or less independent from secular kingdoms and had its influence in every man’s life. Church had their own lands, their own treasury and supreme rights in European politics. Crusades was part of Catholic Church quest for supremacy. However starting from Medieval ages Catholic church started to became vulnerable itself from inner opposition. Protest movements were called heresies and eagerly attacked by church. Most times heretics such as Cathars, Free Spirit and Waldensians were crushed.

One of the first Reformation movements were Hussites in Bohemia (nowadays Czech Republic). Church killed their leader but that caused bloody wars against German Catholic rule.

In 15. -16. century because of Renaissance and rise of need for more freedoms from Church a more bitter opposition started to took place. It starting point was Germany. Triggered by clergyman Martin Luther who objected the indulgences- Church practice which allowed to repay sins with money a successful scam who made church filthy  rich.  This caused a Europe wide stir and Church tried to get rid of Luther, but this time he had support from German statesman Frederic III of Saxony and church was unable to touch him. Inability to quell the rebellion made support for Luther and Reformation started. Rise of Protestantism reached the shores of Livonia and affected it but not as bloody as in Germany, France or other places.

First protestants came to Livonia from Germany. Andreass Knopken, Silvester Tegetmeier brought Protestant ideology to Riga. New movement got support from Riga Town Council and vassal curries. Catholic church did not show enough resistance. At 1524. riots against Catholic church took place as churches were demolished by protesters.  Monks and nuns were chased away from Riga. Church lost many real estates and riches at the end Town council tried to stop the riots. The Livonian Order who should protect the Church was not interested of showing serious action against the movement, the Order wanted to weaken its rival the Archbishop of Riga. Also the patron of the Order the Teutonic order in Prussia was abolished and Order was free from Germany. Order also desired to become a secular country rather than theocratic. However Vathet von Pletenberg the Master of the Order did not do this but he allowed freedom of belief in Riga.Church lost its properties in Riga and Archbishop exiled. Reformation then quickly came to other Livonian towns and finally in 1554. freedom of belief was imposed in all Livonia. Latvians who lived in towns also joined the movement. First Latvian congregations opened where ministration were taken in Latvian (Luther preached that ministrations can be taken in local language rather than Latin). This bought need for religious text translation in Latvian. First Lutheran Catechisms and sacral songs were translated in Latvian. This was big step for Latvian writing and language as whole. Reformation also made first Latvian schools and need for Latvian priests. In country side Reformation was not taken seriously by Latvian peasants. If German landlord changed his beliefs then peasants also changed but they more practiced ancient pagan rituals than Christian beliefs. Paganism dominated the country side to 18.-19. century.

Reformation made victory in Livonia with ease because local German government wanted to be more independent from Germany and Rome and Germany itself had no real influence on Livonia. Therefore Latvia today is one of the strongest key points of Protestant movement.

After fall of Livonia new powers the Catholic Poles tried to do Contra-reformation. This was met by resistance and only region which was bought back to Catholicism was Latgallia. Now Lutheran Church is main Church in Latvia. However Catholic Church holds influence in Latvia also. Surprisingly in today’s Latvia both Churches shows unity and friendship. Latvia is also no stranger to other Christian movements like Baptism, Jehovah Witnesses,  Seventh Day Adventists and other Christian sects. Latvia more or less has always been one of the freest places for multiple beliefs.

Latvia 2009. A look at the past year

Today at 30. December the year 2009. it’s going to end and new decade will start. As we should now in history the Christian calendar is not the only calendar in this world. Year 2009. is year 5770. for Jews as much it is different for Muslims, Eastern Asians or other cultures with their unique calendars. But since Latvia as much as the Christian world uses the Christian Gregorian calendar let’s have a look what happened in Latvia at year 2009.

January

2009. 13. January will go down as the Riot day in Old Riga. The cause of riots were peaceful demonstration organized by leftist party Society for different policy (SDP) in Dome square. It took place in late evening at 18:00 and gathered a large crowd of dissatisfied angry people. Most of them called to dissolve the parliament and many other anti-government calls. After two hours the demonstration ended and people were asked to go home. But most wanted something more than protest and listen to inspiring songs. Among the crowd there were provocateurs who provoke the angry crowd to start more aggressive protest. One part of crowd reached the parliament building and attempted to storm it. When they were backed of Riot police who used tear gas and rubber bullets, they used their own ammunition- stone bricks, which were carved from streets. Parliament and police was fired by stone bricks and other objects. When police pushed crowd from parliament they turned to attack police cars. The main building of Parex bank which was saved from bankruptcy was attacked. The alcohol shop Latvijas Balzāms was robbed and other buildings faced minor damage including National Library. Only one rioter was wounded, he was shot in eye by rubber bullet. There many versions why the riot started, it was planed by provocateurs who provoke the crowd to start riot. Indeed there were many young man with masks and riot equipment ready to use. An eccentric rioters were three people two-man and women in fur coat who actively called for storming the parliament.  They were captured in many photos and mocked in many caricatures. But when riots became more violent the bravehearted trio quietly left the scene. It is not clear who were the planners, either local anti-governmetalists, or Russian radicals or even Secret Service of Russian Federation.

Who ever was responsible for riots, the Government reacted impulsively. Prime minister Ivars Godmanis called for more security laws to prevent demonstrations around parliament.  He was heavily distressed by the event. But President Valdis Zatlers reacted even more drastic- he gave an ultimatum to the parliament. Until March 31. the parliament must finally enact laws to give rights for the people to dissolve parliament (before only president had such rights), to change the election laws, to form commission for economic planing and reorganize the ministries. While some politicians was angry of such ultimatum, for the constitution does not give president such rights. But the warning for parliament dismissal made them to do it and the demands were met.

At the following month Prime minster made deal with International Monetary Fund to receive loan to save state economy. The next moths monetary fund was de facto other government of Latvia, because it actively dictated Latvian government so it can receive the loan.

February

At February the pressure against Prime Minister Ivars Godmanis become more stronger. Godmanis was first prime minister of independent Latvia when new country faced tough times even harder than now. So he was remembered as Crisis minister and ironically he again led country at the event of crisis. He and his party (Latvian First Party/Latvian Way) was unpopular as well as Peoples Party who was blamed for crisis. So he was forced to step down, when President Valdis Zatlers remarked that he can no longer trust him (just a few weeks ago he said that Godmanis is irreplaceable). Godmanis continued to work as deputy and he had more time for his radio show at Radio SWH where he talked about history of rock. He is still working at Radio SWH as radio host despite his work at EU parliament.

New coalition was now led by New Era party, party was in opposition for many years, since it charismatic leader Einars Repse was forced to step down. The prime minister office was taken by Valdis Dombrovskis, an ex EU deputy. While Godmanis was emotional man often sparking anger in discussions, Dombrovskis is serious man not showing any emotions. Coalition was joined by Peoples Party, Civilian Union, Latvia Farmers Union /Green Party, Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK and Civil Union.  Latvia First party was left in opposition.   This was a blow to minister of transportation Ainars Slesers- politician determined for power and money. He is a mastermind businessmen, a man who has reached the power without any higher education and heartless and vicious politician.

New government faced large farmer protests in Riga when hundreds of tractors and other farming vehicles arrived at House of Ministers and Ministry of Agriculture. Farmers were angry because of crisis in milk industry and in other farming sectors. Minister of Agriculture Mārtiņš Roze did not want to resign  until he claimed that he had received threats against him and resigned.

Another important event was start of trial against the Mayor of Ventspils Aivars Lembergs- viscous and cynical millionaire and oligarch. In previous year he was arrested for some moths, but then set free. He is accused for state-wide fraud, corruption, illegal sponsorship of political parties. Despite that he is a still mayor of Venstpils and candidate for Prime Minister’s office.

March

In March the Government lead by Valdis Dombrovskis officially begun their work.  During the month it became clear that crisis will mean the drop of 20% of GDP at the end of year. Government tried to apply  all demands of Zatlers, despite that all demands were not met. But Zatlers decided not dissolve parliament for it must solve the crisis problems.

April

April was rather calm month with out important events. Parliament voted to make possible for people to dissolve parliament, but law was made so cleverly that large margin would be needed to dissolve the parliament.  Latvian voters most times are too apathetic to gather large number of votes in referendum.

Monetary Fund predicted bad future for Latvia, the financial difficulties which would mean hard times for almost every citizen in Latvia. Education, Healthcare, Police in following months faced real difficulties. Schools were closed, hospitals closed or stripped of money and policemen  fired. The fall of GDP would be biggest in whole world. And it really was.

April was also the loss of high paid offices to people who were employed by ex-minster of Transportation Ainars Slesers. In his years in office he put in high offices his party members, friends, business partners and even son of his car driver. He was called an “octopus”  whose tentacles were all around transportation sector.

May

May was electoral month for Municipal elections. Most bitter fight was fought for Riga. The Mayor of Riga was Janis Birks from Fatherland and Freedom/LNNK. But his party was highly unpopular. The two most prominent rivals for Riga was Nils Ushakovs from Harmony Center and Ainars Slesers. Harmony Center is union of leftist mostly pro-Russian parties. In past 20. years no Russian party was never close to any high seat. But because of growing unpopularity of Latvian right parties, Harmony Center now had chance to secure their first victory. Harmony Center used the Victory Day at 9. May to stage a large election rally near the Soviet Victory monument. Nationalist Parties to gain Latvian favor used national factor against Harmony Center. Fatherland and Freedom spent a large sums of money for anti-Russian commercials.    The national hysteria was eminent and reached the highest point at Victory Day when large crowd of Russians gathered to celebrate Soviet Victory. Soviet symbols and songs was all around if that was not enough, the other Russian party For Civil Rights in United Latvia staged a “Russian March”. The marchers were dressed in Monarchist Russian uniforms and were waiving Russian flags.

While Russian nationalists fought battle with Latvian counterparts, Ainars Slesers staged his own election campaign for takeover of Riga. A big posters of Slesers face was all around Riga and TV was filled of commercials with call “Slesers! Who Else?” A rather shorthanded where New Era Party who made foolish commercials warning not vote for parties who will take pies away from citizens. Civic Union leader Girts- Valdis Kristovskis was portrayed as strong man and was called Krrristovssky!!! to promote his toughness.

June

The turnout of election in Riga was not surprising. Harmony Center won because of support of Russians and leftist Latvians. Slesers was beaten by Kristovskis, New Era party was elected. But Fatherland and Freedom lost all of their seats despite their big election campaign. In same time elections for EU parliament were taken were Civic Union won, as well as Fatherland and Freedom, Latvia First Party and New Era Party. Russian parties took to Brussels two famous enemies of Latvian independence Tatjana Zhdanoka and Alfrēds Rubiks, both during 1988.-1991. fought against the succession from USSR. Now they were representing Latvian state.

But just after the election the people of Latvia were taken by big shock.  Government issued that more cuts in budget needs to be taken and another 500 million Lats needs to saved. This meant the shortage of 20% from pays, and 10% from pensions.  The pays of working pensioners were cut drastically so working pensioners were forced to quit their jobs.  This big cut was planed long before this but because of elections were not issued to the public.

July

In July Nils Ushakovs was elected as Mayor of Riga. Ainars Slesers allied with Harmony Center and became Vice-Mayor. It is  a question who is the real ruler of Riga- the young ex-journalist Ushakovs or mastermind Slesers. They both appear together and even wear the same red ties. They are called Sleshakov or Evil Twins or Brothers.

At government the rivalry between two arch enemies New Era Party and Peoples Party started to deepen. Eccentric Minister of Healthcare Baiba Rozentale demanded 45 millions for her sector.  A controversy started when secret agreement with Monetary Fund was disclosed declaring that if government could not save 500 millions other way then progressive tax on people with more than 500 Lats salary needs to be issued along with other taxes.

August

Because the 2010. Parliament election campaign was close, three parties- New Era party, Civic Union, and Society for Different Policy joined forces and formed united force “Unity”.

August was celebration of Baltic Way (1989) and commemoration of Hitler-Stalin pact.

The last week of August was marked with small uprising at the town of Bauska. Angry citizens protested against closure of town hospital and blocked the main road leading to Lithuanian border. Local police joined the protesters, but Riga sent heavily armed Riot Police and dispersed the crowd.

September

All September was spent in argues about new 2010. budget. New Era Party and Peoples party almost collapsed the government.

October

In October the ex-president Vaira Vike Freiberga applied for candidature for President of EU. She failed to reach important office, but chances were low anyway.    The talks about budget continued.  Andris Skele a men who was prime minister three times and founder of Peoples Party issued that he will came back to politics to save his party from failing in elections and save whole Latvia.

A humorous or other hand stupid event occurred when news of space meteorite impact near town Mazsalaca hit the world. This was welcomed by scientists and people as something exiting until it was clear that meteorite impact was a hoax. The “crater” and “meteor parts” were faked and this was done by mobile phone operator Tele2 to promote their new tariff plan.  Security officials were angry about this and ordered Tele2 to pay compensations for false meteorite caused alarm.

November

At November Latvia first in its history faced deflation, before this inflation was eminent in Latvia. Government organized budget.

December

At 1. December the Budget was approved. At the approvement day big protests by motorcycle owners, University students and the people of town Līvāni.  Motorcyclists were angry about tax on motorcycles, students were outraged by cuts for higher education and people at Livāni tried to blockade Riga-Daugavpils road but were repulsed by police. At the end of month the Constitutional Cort decided that cuts for pensioners were against the constitution and ordered government to pay money to pensioners back.

So the year 2009. was year of troubles for Latvia. The next year does not promise any lighter times in economy.In year 2009. the relations with Russia lightened as new government of Riga tried to make deals with Moscow. However Russian government still is not making relations lighter by staging military maneuvers near Latvian border and blocking trade traffic to Russia. It was also a year of emigration- large masses unable to pay their loans and find jobs left Latvia to find job and home at other country. The amount of emigrants are larger than numbers in 1944.-1945. when people fled from Soviets, now people are escaping from their own country.

At this  year the view of Latvia in eyes of other world worsened. Latvia was viewed as a Failed State and disaster in Europe. No doubt it is a fault of Latvians themselves that Latvia is viewed so badly, that’s because this blog exists to show what happened and what is happening in Latvia from eyes of Latvian citizen.

The Move of Faculty of History to new home. A story of old home

The old building at Brīvības Boulevard right in middle between Monument of Freedom and House of Ministers

Today The Faculty of History and Philosophy of University of Latvia are moving to new address.  Yes the finance crisis has finally forced us studying and educating historians move from old place at Brīvības Boulevard 32 to Mārstaļu street 28/30. The rumors and discussions about leaving old home has been present for a long time. The house did not belong to University, it was property of ” State Real Estates” and University paid rent for it. Now since the finance crisis has affected nearly everything in Latvia, the University finally decided to save money and move historians and philosophers out. There were three possible destinations the Lomonosov street in one house Social Science faculty, the University main building and Mārstaļu street in Old Riga near river Daugava. The first two choices were not satisfactory and even disgraceful as we would have to share place with students from other faculties. The building at Mārstaļu street was smaller than old building, but at least was located in Old Riga and was Universities property.

Even if move destination was not bad common resentment about the move was shared among many students, professors and other graduates. For old building was home for every historian since 1946. All of our professors, lecturers and other workers has studied and worked there all their lives.   For many of them building in Brīvība Boulevard was their second home.

Today at 22. December the ceremonial removal of faculty sign occurred and processions by students and professors took place to new home.  Professor  Alberts Varslavans one of the first who started his carrier in Brīvības Boulevard give a small speech and told that this building will forever will be related to historians, “no matter what will happen with this building after we leave, there will always be flavor of historians present in every corner of this building”.

The Dean of Faculty removes the old sign

The building was built in 1875. by architect H.K. Sheel   It was property of German family von Trazee. At 1917.  it was home for Latvian Rifleman regiment united soviet executive (The Iskolatstel). At 1918. it was home of Separate Student company- one of the first military formation of Army of Latvia.  At times of Freedom, building was used for many purposes.  Mentioned creditors and estate owners settled there.  Restaurants and even cabaret club was there. Cabaret Restaurant “Parka Pagrabs” (“Park Basement (Vemanis Park was nearby)) was famous among many Latvian artists, writers and journalists.

Soviet regime did not respect any private property so they decided to move historians and philologists to this new home. Before they shared the main building at Rainis Boulevard. The First floor was used by popular souvenir and clothing shop “Sakta” (“Brooch”). It was popular shopping place in Soviet Era.

Philologists eventually became separate from historians and philosophers came together with them. Both had their own libraries. Main lecture room was 1. auditory- big hall capable of holding more than 100 students. There the main lectures and exams took place. Others were smaller. The third auditory was most technically advanced, presentations and  movie shows took place. In there the examining of Bachelor and Master works  were taken. Last floor was mostly used for philosophers.  In Soviet Era faculty even had its own cafeteria. After it was closed, students were forced to use coffee machine of head to main building or use private cafeterias. At 2006. legendary shop “Sakta” was closed and space became used by Latvian Post service and Narvesen shop and Index cafe.

Now Faculty has new home. It’s near river Daugava. In front of new faculty stands abounded House of Darnenstein a monument of history. At first glance the new stairs and corridors of new home feels narrow, but at least we are on our own in Old Riga.

Farewell and Good-by Brīvības Boulevard, Hello to Mārstaļu street.

The new location at old Riga

Latvia and the Hanseatic League

Map of Hanza member citties and trade routes

In Ancient times the main traders in Europe were Romans. They maintained a sharp system of trade routes across their empire. Rome was filled with goods from East and West. After the breakdown of Roman Empire during the so-called “Dark Ages” full-scale trading in Europe was halted. In this time the masters of trade were Byzantines, Arabs, Persians and Chinese.  However when European medieval states started to grow more stronger, European traders again begun to compete with their eastern rivals.

Before exploring the depths of Atlantic Ocean, Europeans sailed three main seas- the North Sea, Baltic Sea and the Mediterranean sea. Mediterranean sea was an old trade route. In Ancient times it was the “Greek frog pond“, then it was fully owned by Romans.  The heirs of Romans were Italian sailors, the Genoa and Venice was the main centers for trade. Constantinople was also important until it was taken by Turks. North and Baltic seas were less known to Greeks and Romans, few of their sources describes them, there even was expeditions made by Greeks and Romans. But since the shores of these seas were inhabited by less-civilized peoples they did not find them so tempting. So it was the British, Scandinavians and Germans who will make those seas a proper trade route.

One of the first German port was   Lübeck. It was founded by Duke Henry the Lion of Saxony. Based on good position the city in 13. century became a base for merchants from Saxony and Westphalia. The word Hansa came from intention to form special guilds to trade with other cities.   Lübeck was specially interested in Baltic region where resources such as timber, wax, amber, furs, etc came from. Rye and wheat was also important. Also the trade ships were important for Crusades because ships were used to transport troops to conflict ground.

The Holsten gate of Lubeck

Lübeck and Hamburg made alliance in 1241. marking the start of Hanse. It was based on cooperation between the cities and guilds to ease up trading and gain profit. Hanse was joined by Cologne and London. The main center of alliance was Lübeck, it was Imperial Free city which meant that it has vast possibilities than other German cities.  The administration was Hansa Diet founded the 1356.

Because Russia was important trade source, Hansa moved to the east. Livonian cities, Riga, Venstpils, Cesis, Valmiera, Kuldiga, Limbaži and Straupe became the part of Hansa.  Ventspils was important port in Courland, ships could sail across river Venta to Kuldiga. Ventspils never lost it port importance as now its port gains more profit than port of Riga. Kuldiga in other hand is no more used for ships.

The port of Ventspils

Riga as the biggest city was center for stock of all trade sources. Many Guilds worked there and it was the main trade spot in Livonia only to be countered by Tallin ( Reval). From Riga ships sailed to Koknese and from there the route ended in Smolensk, Vitebsk and Polock.

The port of Riga

Last trade route from Riga to Tallin (Reval) across the river Gauja was mostly on land and headed to Novgorod and Pskov. In Russian towns Hansa had kontors- trade offices.

14. century was “Golden age” for Hansa. It took the monopoly on trading in Northern seas. Hansa was so powerful that it could even wage war on sovereign country- Denmark.  Destroying their fleet and sacking their cities Hansa used force to get full control over Scandinavia. However at the end of the century Hansa lost war to Dutch rival merchants and the Hansa monopoly was broken.

15. century is called the “Autumn of Medieval ages”. The economic crisis did not spared Hansa. As Crusader knight regimes was defeated and Novgorod was annexed by Russian Tzar Ivan III. The cities themselves begun to rival. Danzig (Gdansk) started to gain much more from Poland and became much larger than Lübeck. Polish government tried to take over Danzig, but were repulsed. But the Dutch sailors became even more dangerous for Hansa, as they aggressively  competed with Hanse. They succeeded making Hansa more and more weaker.

In 16. century Hansa was no longer a key player. Swedish Empire was more powerful. Russia was no longer for trade business and because of centralization the cities  no longer were so independent. Hansa could not make trade route to newly explored New World. The last formal meeting between the cities were held in 1699. The cities of Livonia did not took any part in them long before.

However the power of Hansa has not faded from historical memory. The word Hansa is used in names of ships, companies (Lufthansa), the Swedish bank Swedbank was called Hansabank in Latvia for many years. There is even a PC Game The Rise of Hansa where Riga is also included (however pretty badly as it is shown as Russian town wit Orthodox cathedrals). Hansa is symbol for the most active member towns, such as Riga. Riga is proud to be a former member of the Hanseatic League.

The logo of Hansa bakery.